Attendees are responsible for printing and bringing their own handouts or having them available electronically. Handouts will be posted as received so keep checking back (we are still missing most handouts). Presenters will be responsible for bringing their own handouts if nothing is posted prior to the Conference.
Conference Information to Bring
Conference Program: Click Here
Who are the Presenters? Click Here
Don't know what NYSSSWA Region you are in? Click Here
Do you know who is on the NYSSSWA Board or how to get in touch with your Regional Representative or others? Click Here
Session Handouts:
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm) Pre-Conference
"Mindfulness and Meditation for School Social Workers" by Jill Wojcik Pula, LCSW, 500 Certified Yoga Instructor
Thursday November 6, 2025 (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Opening Keynote
"Diamond-Strong: 60 Years of School Social Work Service Through a Diversity Lens" by Rolanda L. Ward, Ph.D., MSW, M.Div.
- Dr. Ward will be bringing her own handouts.
Thursday, November 6 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Breakout Sessions A:
A1: “The ADHD & Executive Function Lens for School-Based Interventions” by Valerie Mackiewicz; MS, AACC, CACP, Certified ADHD Coach Practitioner
A2: “Pre-Teen Suicide: State of the Research” by Paige Picou,Ph.D.
A3: "Coping Skills Support Group: Learn how to start one in your school!”
Kristina LaMendola, LCSW, DBT-CBT Specialist
A4: “Chronic Absenteeism: Breaking the cycle” by Nicole Wiler, LMSW &
Colleen Ramos
Thursday, November 6 (2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Breakout Sessions B:
B1: “The Grief & Trauma Backpack” by Kara Juszczak, LCSW-R, CCFP
B2: “Implementing ‘Just Practice’ Assessments in School Social Work Practice” by Laura Rice Stein, Ph.D., LCSW, MS.Ed.
B3: “From Personal Loss to Creating Connections: A School-Based Approach to Co-Occurring Disorders” by Stephanie Marquesano, Esq.
B4: "Suicide Safety Planning with Youth: A Clinical Workshop” by Paige Picou,Ph.D.
Friday, November 7 (8:30 am - 10:00 am) General Session
"Supporting Students on Medication: A Psychopharmacology Primer” by Dori Marshall, M.D.
Friday, November 7 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) Breakout Sessions C:
C1: “From Dysregulated to Resilient: Strengthening Frustration Tolerance Through Relationships” by Kelly Zinn, D.S.W., LCSW
C2: "Cannabis and the Developing Brain: The Blunt Truth” by ErinParr, MACP, CASAC
C3: "Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Eating Disorders” by Alexandra Wilkosz,DSW., LCSW
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C4: “Applying DBT in a School Setting Within the MTSS Framework" -Monique Johnson, LCSW
Friday, November 7 (12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.) Breakout Sessions D:
D1: “Navigating Grief & Loss in Schools: Strategies for Support” by Kelly Zinn, DSW, LCSW
D2: “What Don't You Know About E-Cigarettes & Vaping?” by Colleen Babcock & Erin Parr, MACP, CASAC
D3: “Building Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Programming in NYS Schools” by Kristen Stanton, M.S.
D4: “Facilitating a DBT-Informed Parent Group in a School Setting" by Monique Johnson
Friday, November 7 (2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) Closing Keynote
“Utilizing Mental Health Team Relationships to Maximize Student Outcomes” by James Garner, LMSW & Kate DiGregorio, LCSW
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